Over-stepping?

The dilemma of how to share our faith with others without over-stepping is a continuing struggle, and it sometimes keeps us from the genuine witness that we feel should be made. This is by no means a new struggle. Consider these comments from the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian executed by the Nazis in 1945.

"What a difficult thing it often is to utter the name of Jesus Christ in the presence even of a brother [or sister]. Here, too, it is difficult to distinguish between right and wrong. Who dares to force himself upon his neighbor? Who is entitled to accost and confront his neighbor and talk to him about ultimate matters? It would be no sign of great Christian insight were one simply to say at this point that everybody has this right, indeed, this obligation. This could be the point where the desire to dominate might again assert itself in the most insidious way. The other person, as a matter of fact, has his own right, his own responsibility, and even his own duty, to defend himself against unauthorized interference. The other person has his own secret which dare not be invaded without great injury, and which he cannot surrender without destroying himself. It is not a secret dependent on knowledge or feeling, but rather the secret of his freedom, his salvation, his being. And yet this correct judgment lies perilously near to the deadly dictum of Cain: 'Am I my brother's keeper?'" -- D.B. Life Together